The Buffalo Bills face the Chicago Bears in a preseason matchup on Sunday night, but the big question is whether Josh Allen will take the field. After joint practices between the two teams earlier this week, the decision on Allen’s playing time is still up in the air.
Will Josh Allen Play Today vs. the Chicago Bears?
Bills head coach Sean McDermott has been noncommittal about his star quarterback’s status. He has emphasized the value of starters getting reps during the preseason, but he also knows the risk of exposing Allen to unnecessary hits.
“Yeah, I would love to if you could put him in a bubble that would guarantee me that he wasn’t gonna get hurt,” McDermott said earlier this week.
He added that the focus remains on Allen’s chemistry with his receivers and ensuring he feels comfortable heading into the regular season.
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Allen has echoed that sentiment. While the reigning MVP doesn’t believe he needs preseason snaps to be ready, he hasn’t ruled out taking the field if given the opportunity. Still, his extensive work in the joint practices against Chicago’s defense may be enough for the Bills’ coaching staff. Those sessions, which have become increasingly important across the NFL, often substitute preseason playing time for established starters.
Allen did throw three interceptions during Friday’s scrimmage against the Bears, but the Bills don’t appear overly concerned. Mistakes in joint practices are far less important than keeping their franchise quarterback healthy. With Buffalo’s regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens looming Sept. 7, the coaching staff knows preserving Allen is the top priority.
Backup Quarterback Battle Between Mitchell Tribusky and Shane White
Meanwhile, the focus in today’s game could shift to the Bills’ backup quarterback competition. Mitchell Trubisky, who served as Allen’s primary backup last season and appeared in nine games, is battling Shane White for the No. 2 spot.
Trubisky got the preseason opener start against the New York Giants and made the most of it, completing 9 of 13 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. White was equally sharp, connecting on 8 of 13 throws for 112 yards and two scores. Both are expected to see significant snaps again today as they continue to fight for the backup job.
While McDermott has not ruled out Allen playing against the Bears, it seems unlikely. If the Bills are satisfied with his work during the joint practices, fans may have to wait until later in the preseason, or perhaps not until Week 1, to see Allen back in action.
Buffalo’s top goal remains clear: keep Allen healthy, rested and ready to lead the Bills into another playoff push this season.
